Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing woman during home burglary in St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A 34-year-old Maplewood man has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for breaking into a home in St. Paul and sexually assaulting a woman earlier this year.

On Tuesday, Deonte Marquon Thomas was sentenced to a total of 241 months in prison for one count each of criminal sexual conduct and first-degree burglary. Thomas pleaded guilty on those charges in July.

Thomas was given credit for 131 days served. Once he is released from prison, Thomas will be required to serve 10 years of post-incarceration supervision.

On the morning of April 15, Thomas forced his way into a home at South Snelling and Stanford Avenues, where he robbed the homeowner before pulling a gun and sexually assaulting her.

When Thomas was arrested In late April, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said detectives located him after executing search warrants in Maplewood and Stillwater.

After his arrest, Thomas reportedly told police he was “frustrated” and “angry” about his living conditions. He has previous convictions for domestic violence, receiving stolen goods and theft.

As a result of his conviction, Thomas must register as a robbery offender for life.

Sexual assaults by strangers are rare. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 8 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.

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